Molecular Weight Control in Frontal Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization.

ABSTRACT: In this study, we push the limits of bulk frontal ring-opening metathesis polymerization (FROMP) to control polymer molecular weight and dispersity without the need for solvents, deoxygenation, or post-polymerization purification. By tuning inhibitor loadings and introducing inhibitory comonomers, we enable enhanced control over molecular weight (39-700 kg mol^-1) and achieve dispersity as low as Ð = 1.07, surpassing previous limitations while preserving the thermal properties of the materials. This increased inhibition also leads to the first demonstration of closed-mold, nonlinear propagation modes (i.e., spin modes) in FROMP of norbornene-type monomers, where the reaction front spirals down the tube, revealing the intricate interplay between thermal transport, reaction kinetic

SUBMITTER: Stewart KA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12559472 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature